Previewing This Way Up

Now that Game of Thrones is over, we can see just how popular the individual characters are now that they are no longer on the biggest show in the world. Although since the show has not shone away from killing off big named characters we actually know just how they might fair. And it is not good. Take the first high profile person who died, Ned Stark. He actually managed to get a show into the second season but that is one of the few. He is actually been the star three post Thrones shows and has gone from ABC to TNT to A Spectrum Original, whatever that is. Things are not much better on the movie side as Sansa Stark and Daenerys Targaryen have managed to tank three long running, major franchise.

Despite these setbacks, Hulu seems to be starting a Thrones restoration project. Theon Greyjoy joined the cast of Harlots in the third season. Except the season is not over and Theon went own ore pathetically than when he tried to kill the Knight King. Then Missandei, (who met a very unnecessary death, seriously, jump off the wall when someone is ordered to cut off your head, a broken leg is better than no head) a British person in real life, plays an American who travels to Britain in Four Weddings and a Funeral that got panned by critics and unwatched by the general product.

Now Hulu is bringing a British import stateside with two Thrones alum in the cast for This Way Up. Granted unlike everyone I mentioned before, these two were bit players on Thrones. There is Edmure Tully who hilariously tried to make his claim to the throne after being absent for most of the show. Also on the show is Ellaria Sand who turned out to be so insignificant we still do not know what happen to her. Did Cercie kill her? Was she crushed when Dany ransacked the Red Keep? Can we assume she died since there was an unnamed new Prince of Dorne during the meeting of the high lords (and Davos) at the end?

But these two are also bit players on This Way Up (but at least they get a conclusion to their storylines at the end of the season). The show stars Aisling Bea and Sharon Horgan (Game Night) who also produce the show. The show starts up with the latter checking the former out of a rehabilitation centre. And hilarity ensues. But this is not really a sad sack comedy about mental disorders; the rehab stint is not really brought up much.

But Bea’s character does definitely use humor as a defense. And the stand-up comic can land a line. The show is a real showcase for Bea who is probably not known stateside (the only thing I noticed on her IMDB was Assassin’s Creed III). When she is not having a nervous breakdown, Bea teaches English as a Second language including one on one tutoring which is where Edmure comes in as his son has moved from France to live with him.

Since it is a British show, This Way Up is just six twenty-five minute episode so if you want, you could just make the show a two and a half hour movie. And it is definitely the type a show you can burn through because Bea is so electric, you will be left wanting more. And since it is airing on an American streaming service, all episodes are available on Hulu now. Sorry actual British people where the show is still being aired in weekly installments.